About Ben

Ben Felten is the world’s fastest blind man on a motorcycle – a blind man with a vision and a man on a mission who has transformed adversity into extraordinary achievement. He is a high-performance athlete, business leader, and keynote speaker who has built a career at the intersection of resilience, risk, and human potential.

His story is not defined by the loss of his sight but by the clarity that followed. Through world-first achievements and leadership across corporate and not-for-profit sectors, Ben has demonstrated what is possible when discipline, focus, and determination replace limitation. His journey challenges conventional thinking about performance, adaptability, and leading through complexity.

Ben brings a rare combination of lived experience and striving for excellence. He is a two-time World Para-Rowing Champion, an Australian Blind Cricket representative, and a leader within multiple high-performance sporting systems. Across these environments, he developed deep expertise in teamwork, preparation, communication, and performing consistently in high-stakes conditions.

Translating lessons from winning cultures into business and community settings, Ben has worked across corporate, charity, and not-for-profit sectors to elevate brands and business excellence. He is the Managing Director of Blind Speed and founder of the In Sight of Dreams registered charity, organisations dedicated to innovation, inclusion, and enabling people with acquired disabilities to reclaim independence and purpose.

Ben’s work has attracted national and international attention, including television documentaries and an international award-winning film documentary. As a keynote speaker he has presented to hundreds of audiences across Australia and globally, partnering with executive teams, industry conferences, sporting organisations, and community leaders. Ben equips organisations to build resilient, high-performing teams capable of navigating uncertainty with clarity and confidence.

Beyond the stage, Ben mentors individuals and teams through sport, leadership, and life-planning programs, helping people to set ambitious goals, manage risk, and execute with precision.

Ben was born fully sighted, but at 15 a motorcycle accident led to the diagnosis of Retina Pigmentosa, a degenerative eye condition that would ultimately take his vision by his mid-30s. The dreams he had as a young man – racing motorcycles and joining the Navy – slipped away as his sight deteriorated.

The impact went beyond physical loss. Ben faced deep challenges to his identity and relationships, wrestling with denial and frustration as he struggled to come to terms with his diagnosis.

At his lowest point, Ben made a defining decision – he was no longer going to be a victim of his circumstances. He decided to become the master of his destiny.

That decision led to tangible outcomes. Ben founded the Nepean Blind Sports Club, coordinated programs for the NSW Sports Council for the Disabled, and played a pivotal role in establishing Rowing as a Paralympic sport. He went on to become a two-time world para-rowing champion and an Australian Blind Cricket Representative.

In 2018, Ben captured global attention alongside MotoGP legend Kevin Magee when they set the world motorcycle land speed record for a blindfolded rider, reaching 272km/h on the salt flats in outback South Australia. The Blind Speed team is scheduled to return in 2026 to challenge their own record.

Ben has worked with global brands including Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Porsche, collaborated with National sporting organisations like Rowing Australia and Cricket Australia and pioneered inclusive motorsport experiences through the Insight of Dreams foundation, redefining perceptions of risk, capability and inclusion.

Ben’s speaking style is grounded, generous, and deeply human. He blends powerful storytelling with practical insights drawn from elite performance environments, leadership under pressure, and navigating uncertainty.

Rather than sensationalising adversity and his story, Ben connects through honesty, humility, humour, and a powerful belief in people’s ability to change. He focuses on responsibility, preparation, and execution. His keynotes resonate strongly with organisations facing change, complexity, and high expectations – leaving audiences inspired, challenged, and equipped with frameworks they can apply immediately in their professional and personal lives.